The Verizon Galaxy Nexus is Official

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Verizon and Samsung confirm that the Galaxy Nexus will finally hit stores Thursday 12/15/11. This news is music to the ears of many who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first smartphone to feature Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0).

Samsung's Facebook page states that the 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus will sell for $299.99 in Verizon Stores and online starting December 15th. This news comes fresh on the heels of a pretty vague statement earlier today by Verizon stating "The Galaxy Nexus was on track to launch this year". This statement basically echos what was said in October. Now, just hours later the device is official and will be available tomorrow. Verizon's statement can be read below.

I find it hard to believe that the first smartphone featuring Android 4.0, a High Definition 4.65" Super AMOLED curved glass display, Facial Recognition capabilities, a dual-core 1.2Ghz TI OMAP processor, a high capacity1850 mAh battery and 4G LTE data speed isn't worth a descent launch. I have not seen one TV spot advertising this device, but I lost count of how many iPhone 4S and Droid RAZR commercials I saw during "The X Factor" show broadcast on FOX! Why is this happening this way? It just seems wrong to me.

The Galaxy Nexus is indeed going on sale tomorrow, but is it landing with a BANG? It's a high end premium smartphone that brings a lot of "firsts" with it to the telecom world. What do you think about the Verizon Galaxy Nexus? Is this what you expected the launch to be like? Share your comments and thoughts on this subject below.

The Galaxy Nexus is still on track to launch this year. We will definitely send a press release to announce availability. Feel free to visit www.verizonwireless.com/galaxynexus to sign up for email alerts to be one of the first to know.
Via: Verizon Wireless PR , Samsung Facebook , AndroidAndMe

The Missing Galaxy Nexus...

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Where is the Galaxy Nexus? Google's first Android 4.0 smartphone is missing and no one seems to have any answers as to where it is and when its going to land on a US carrier. The latest news and rumors on the Galaxy Nexus are nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Samsung and Google told the world in October that the device was going to land in the US by December. This obviously didn't happen, instead we saw the UK get theirs, but the rumor mill hasn't slowed either. This weeks rumored US launch date was December 9th, todays online buzz suggests a December 13th launch, but that seams unlikely because Google, Samsung and Verizon are completely quiet.

So, what is really going on with the Galaxy Nexus and why has Verizon still not announced a release date for this highly anticipated smartphone? Is it still a work in progress with Verizon's LTE connection issues of late? Are Google and Big Red (Verizon) working on an agreement for the NFC features (Google Wallet) for the phone? Maybe they are just having some differing opinions on the direction of how to market the phone (DROID or No DROID). We really don't know!

The folks at phonedog.com are reporting that despite the fact that previous Nexus phones were pure Android, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will likely include some pre-instaled bloatware apps as well as Verizon branding on the device. This is a big deal because previous Nexus phones have pridefully offered a pure Android OS experience without carrier branding, custom UI influences or apps outside of stock Google Android.

I for one have been excited about the upcoming Galaxy Nexus even before the big Hong Kong announcement in October and I'm obviously not alone in saying "Come on already!" In my opinion, it seems that Google may be tragically allowing Verizon to fumble a game changing touchdown! This is not just another smartphone, its the king of all Android phones and the first Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) device ever. This should be handled with quick and decisive action on the part of all parties directly involved and with the consumer moral high during the holiday season shopping season, there is no time like the present.

What do you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Tell us what you think of how the Galaxy Nexus launch is being handled or mishandled and when you think it will actually arrive in the US.


[ Via PhoneDog  ]

2011 The Year of Gadgets and Major Technology Advances

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This year has flown by with warp speed. Its hard to believe that 2011 is coming to an end, but not before the tech world shares a few new gadget goodies. These are the top 3 gadgets (yet to be released) that I believe will have the biggest effect on our world before 2012 arrives.

The Amazon Kindle Fire: Amazon's new cloud-based 7 inch tablet/ e-reader device, with a custom web browser that promises to entertain you on the go for only $199.Is this gonna be an iPad killer or just another tablet?

The DROID RAZR: This futuristic smart phone features a sleek and super thin design that's a throw-back to the RAZR line of phones introduced in 2004. With a blend of Android OS, a durable frame built with KEVLAR and Gorilla Glass,  a speedy dual-core processor and Verizon 4G LTE data speeds, it sure to be a home run for Motorola.

The Galaxy NEXUS: This phone is the worlds introduction to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It features a 4.6 inch 720p HD Amoled screen, facial recognition abilities and promises a new level for the pure Google experience and with no capacitive or physical buttons. This is the first phone to feature such advanced technologies and many in the tech world think it will be a total game changer.

I for one would love to own all three of these great gadgets as soon as they become available, but I wonder which one will be the must-have-tech for the holiday season and beyond. Which one of these three do you have your eyes on! Is it something else altogether that you are waiting to get your hands on? Please share your thoughts!

Via Motorola  Google/Nexus  Amazon

Google Announces Android Event November 16th, With a Side of T-Mobile

This could be BIG news! Google has been sending out invites to an event to be held in Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday November 16th 2pm pacific time. There isn't much detail on what the event is about. Looking at the picture, one can definitely conclude that Android and T-Mobile will be in the house for the LA event. Google definitely has something up their sleeve considering this is an (invite only) event and keeping with a host of other BIG 11-11-11 announcements, it will surely be a substantial unveiling.

Wanna be in on the Google goodies set for November 16th? Simply click YouTube.com/Android at 2pm pacific (5pm eastern time) and you're in!

What is Google's big announcement? Will it be an exclusive service or app for T-Mobile Android users or a killer device (aka Galaxy NEXUS) that they introduce to the world? Your guess is as good as any, so post it in the comments below. Until then, I will be counting down the days to the Google event .

Via Fandroid